Post-Legislative Coffee gives citizens chance to voice concern over work-force shortage

The Toccoa-Stephens County Post-Legislative Coffee drew a large crowd on Thursday, allowing residents to ask State Senator Bo Hatchett and State Representative Chris Erwin questions regarding this past legislative session.

One topic that garnered a lot of attention was the work-force shortage in Toccoa-Stephens County.

Stephens County Development Authority President and CEO Brittany Ivey asked what the state’s plan is to get people to go back to work.

“What are the state’s plans for this unemployment and everything that’s happening. I do appreciate, and I want to thank you both for keeping Georgia open. Stephens County industries are thriving, but we don’t have employees. What is the state doing to get people to go back to work,” she asked?

Erwin explained that this issue is one that needs to be addressed.

“We’re definitely hearing a lot about that. And that’s something we’re going to have to see addressed in the state,” he said.

Hatchett says he’s been in contact with United State Senators Jon Ossoff and Raphael Warnock about this issue.

“You can’t compete with a government that’s giving away money. I’ve spoke with Governor Kemp about this. I spoke to Senator Ossoff and Senator Warnock about this. This isn’t a partisan issue. This is a Georgia issue. You can’t sign a piece of paper saying you can’t find work,” he said.

As WNEG reported earlier this week, Toccoa Vice Mayor Jeanette Jamieson enlisted the support of her fellow commissioners on the Toccoa City Commission to pen a letter and resolution urging Georgia Governor Brian Kemp to restrict unemployment benefits paid by the state for anyone who does not seek out employment.

Hatchett recommends the public mail letters to Ossoff and Warnock about their concerns for the work force in Stephens County.